Medical Care for Non-Motorists
Though being in a car crash can be terrifying for a passenger or driver, it can be equally damaging for a pedestrian. In addition, non-motorists can experience many of the same injuries that motorists do and should always see an orthopedic and chiropractic specialist after their accident.
If you were injured in an accident as a non-motorist, our team at iRISE Spine and Joint is here to help. Here are some essential things to consider:
Common Injuries Non-Motorists Experience
Being involved in a car accident can cause many injuries, including many that affect your spine, neck, and other major joints and muscle groups.
As a non-motorist, you’re likely to experience similar injuries, including:
- Bruising and contusions.
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Crush injuries.
- Skin lacerations.
- Fractures and broken bones.
- Amputation.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries.
Additionally, some key statistics about pedestrian injuries include the fact that:
- Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas.
- It’s more likely for males to be injured than females.
- Most pedestrian accidents occur between the hours of 6 PM and 12 AM.
Non-Motorist Rights After an Accident
Being a non-motorist involved in a car accident would mean that you were a pedestrian involved in the crash, such as walking across the road or biking at the time of the incident. So, are you covered? The short answer is yes.
What is PIP Insurance?
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection and is a form of car insurance that covers expenses that commonly happen after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP insurance can include medical bills, legal fees, lost wages, and other expenses.
Florida happens to be the largest no-fault state in the United States. As a no-fault state, Florida drivers are required to have PIP car insurance in the event of an accident. PIP insurance is also referred to as “no-fault insurance” and is required in many states with no-fault laws. On the other hand, Tennessee is considered a “fault state,” where a driver must be at-fault for you to receive coverage.
Your Rights Under PIP Insurance
As someone injured in a motor vehicle accident, your PIP insurance would allow you to receive the medical care you need. According to Florida state law, your insurer will pay PIP benefits if you are struck by a motor vehicle and suffer from bodily injury, but not as an occupant of a self-propelled vehicle.
In addition, if you do not own a car, but another family member does, you may be covered under their PIP insurance, depending on the policy. However, it does not cover property or vehicle damage or accidents where the driver used their car for work, committed a crime, or covered other drivers and their property.
When to Seek Care
You may receive medical care at the scene of your accident as a non-motorist, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t require additional care days after. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, you should still seek medical attention following a crash.
After an accident in the State of Florida, PIP coverage requires that the insured be seen within 14 days from the date of the accident for initial treatment. Remember, the date of the accident counts as day one of your 14-day window. We recommend seeking medical attention within 72 hours of your accident to decrease the risks of developing more serious conditions or irreparable disability.
Chiropractic Care
Most of the injuries following a car crash happen to your neck and back. A chiropractor specializing in car accident injuries will carefully assess your situation and help treat various conditions — from whiplash to rotator cuff injuries, strains, and separating discs.
Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic doctors treat injuries of the bones, joints, or nerves. Your orthopedist will help treat the immediate results of your crash, such as fractures, breaks, and tears. They’ll also help prevent degenerative diseases that cause tissues and organs to worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or the need for treatment options such as surgeries.
Car Accident Aftercare in Florida and Tennessee
Receiving the care you need after a car crash is vital, even if you were not a passenger or driver. At iRISE Spine and Joint, we have the professionals, resources, and therapies necessary to evaluate and treat injuries that arise after a crash. We can help you manage your chronic pain.
Book an appointment today by calling us at (888) 655-7473 or visiting us online.
